Using Macaulay Library media
Media can be requested for scientific research or licensing uses from the Macaulay Library, but for most other uses (e.g., for learning or browsing) there are easier ways to access the archive. Check out some of the suggestions below, and if none of them fit your use, you can skip to the section on requesting media. However, note that media are not available for personal download unless they belong to you.
Looking for a curated set of photos or sound recordings for the species in your area?
Merlin Bird ID is an identification app that is available to download for free and covers more than half of all bird species worldwide.
This same media is also displayed on the eBird website using Explore Species and clicking on the photo gallery at the top of the Listen button.
In addition, most of the North American sound recordings used in Merlin Bird ID are also for sale as the Cornell Guide to Birds: United States and Canada.
Interested in exploring the archive but don't need the actual files?
Anyone is free to view and listen to our vast collection of photos, sound recordings, and video. Just visit the Macaulay Library media search or check out our page on finding what you're looking for.
Want to embed Macaulay Library media on a blog or website?
It's easy to embed Macaulay Library media on websites or other pages on the internet. Simply go to the Macaulay Library page of the piece of media you are interested in and click "Embed." From the embed menu, choose your preferred size, then click "Copy" to copy the HTML code for use on your page. The appropriate data and credit will automatically display along with the image, sound, or video.
Want to download your own media?
Have you archived your media in the Macaulay Library through eBird? If so, your original uploaded files are available for you to download at any time by clicking the Download original link on a Macaulay Library media specimen page. When you upload media to the Macaulay Library, the archive serves as your personal cloud storage and backup of your media files.
Need high-resolution media for research, education, or commercial use?
Audio and video recordings in the Macaulay Library have many uses. Scientists use the collection to better understand and preserve Earth's biodiversity. Teachers use our sounds and videos to illustrate the natural world and create exciting interactive learning opportunities for their students. Our collection has even been used in the movies and in art installations! Continue on to learn how to request media.
Requesting media
Steps for requesting media
The Macaulay Library archive contains tens of millions of digital photo, audio, and video assets from around the world. Users may request access to download media from the archive for research and some educational uses for free. For all commercial uses (and some educational uses), a license agreement is required. For all uses, we ask that you follow our guidelines for media attribution when using Macaulay Library assets.
Step 1: Search for recordings
Use the Macaulay Library search box to search for the common name or scientific name of the species you are interested in, then narrow down your results using filters. For commercial requests, search commercially requestable media by checking the “Commercially requestable media” filter. For more help to find what you're looking for, check out our searching for media page.
If you find a recording that interests you, click on the catalog number link to go to the individual specimen page. It’s easy to find the catalog number link if you are viewing results as a list.
Step 2: Place request
When you are done locating all of the media that you would like to request, please create a Helpdesk ticket. Select "The Macaulay Library (Media Requests)" as the topic of your question. We will respond to discuss additional details of your request and an estimate of any applicable licensing fees. There is no charge for research requests.
